The Deluxe Magic Circuit Natural History Circuit packages are all-inclusive, including transfers as shown, comfortable lodging accommodations, meals, specialized English speaking native naturalist guide, tours, private transportation, and reserve entrance fees. Added features while at San Jorge’s Reserves, include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine and quality services.
Day One - Evening airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, overnight lodging San Jorge/Quito
Day Two - Old Colonial Quito City Tour. We will explore the Capital of Ecuador, considered part of the Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. During your visit you will learn about the colonial art in the churches, history, archaeology and folklore in the museums. Your private guide will provide complete information of the baroque colonial art. Visit the most important areas: Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Santo Domingo, La Merced, La Compania, Panecillo. Lunch at typical restaurant. Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Three - San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (Cloud Forest) Natural History Tour Beautiful birds, panorama views, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers, wild orchids, and exotic wildlife within our tropical world famous Cloud Forest. Well-kept trails explore the different parts of the reserve. Hiking on our main loop trail (Toucanet Trail) goes around the lower part of the forest visiting beautiful primary forest and small creeks. Our newest hiking trail (Nunbird Loop Trail) goes all the way to the top of the ridge to a very ancient forest which is almost completely covered in moss. This forest is habited by very localized bird species such as the White-faced Nunbird and the Toucan Barbet. The most impressive views of the valley can be appreciated from here with a picnic lunch. The main open air dining area offers feeders with great photo options and has spectacular views of Tandayapa Valley. Lunch at our open air Hummingbird Restaurant overlooking feeders with great photo options. Overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four - San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (Upper Tropical Rain Forest) Natural History Tour with swimming at the waterfalls and picnic lunch. Visit a wild virgin cloud forest around Pichincha Mountain and trek on great jungle trails inside a natural paradise. This is considered a bird watching paradise, majestic cascading waterfalls, wild surroundings, Yumbo civilization ruins, tropical plants/flowers/ numerous butterflies and wild orchids within our tropical reserve. The stunning upper tropical rainforest surrounding the lodges feature well-kept pristine hiking trails, with 8 different trails to explore the different features of the reserve, with 11 spring fed waterfalls, crossed by the large Chaguaryacu River. Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Cliff Lodge, includes 3 meals
Day Five - Early breakfast & transfer to San Jorge/Quito - Sacred Waterfalls & Medicinal Plants at San Jorge Botanical Reserve/Quito. We will trek to the Highland Tropical Rainforest, visiting up to 5 sacred waterfalls. Here, we will learn about some of the 250 varieties of native medicinal plants in the region. At the same time, you will take in the fabulous panoramic views of Quito, its lush valleys and majestic mountains and the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha, and Illalo. We can observe 11 mountains from various points of San Jorge Botanical Reserve/Quito. Picnic lunch at the waterfalls. Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Six - Otavalo Indian Market & Surroundings Visit the world famous Otavalo Indian Market. You will have the opportunity to shop for world famous handmade wool and alpaca products. Also, visit Cotacashi (leather village) OR San Antonia de Ibarra wood carving village. Includes lunch at typical restaurant. Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Seven - Papallacta Natural Hot Springs Journey through the High Andes Barren Plains (4000 mts. o.s.l). Drive the same route as Francisco De Orellana walked when he discovered the Amazon River. Visit Tumbaco, Cumbaya and Pifo Valley. Take a morning hike, learning about the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. We will climb up the Central Andes chain until we reach Papallacta Lake where we will then stop at the thermal hot springs. During the trip, your guide will give you a botanical and ecological explanation of the Coca Cayambe Reserve, which is considered an Andes Condor area. Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight - AM transfer to Quito Airport